Styles of Seduction. Jacquelin Thomas

agreed. “We were lucky to have her for the short time she worked at RHD. Wouldn’t you agree, Kyle?”

      Kyle nodded without saying anything.

      “Let’s go sit,” Lila said as they finished their meal.

      “Why did Zoe leave RHD?” Nelson asked when they’d settled in the family room. Kyle had been hoping they were done with the topic of Zoe, but Nelson didn’t seem ready to let her go.

      “Apparently she received a better offer from Guava,” he replied, trying to keep his voice as neutral as possible.

      “We should have fought to keep her,” Lila said. “She worked under your supervision, Kyle. Why didn’t you convince Zoe to stay?”

      “She had already made up her mind, Mom.”

      “I think you underestimate your powers of persuasion.”

      Kyle met his mother’s gaze. “Zoe is a grown woman. I’m sure she put a lot of thought into her decision to leave RHD. She’s been with Guava for five years now, so it must be working out for her.” When Kyle noticed his mother and Nelson exchanging a glance, he fought the temptation to leave the room.

      “Did you and Zoe get a chance to talk about anything?” Lila inquired.

      “Like what?” he asked, not enjoying where this conversation was heading one bit.

      “Is she single?”

      “We were only in the elevator for a few minutes, Mom. I didn’t have enough time for a full dossier.”

      Kyle couldn’t help wondering why his mother was always so interested in Zoe and her social life. Maybe it was because Lila knew Zoe was confident where it counted and independent to an extreme. Zoe wasn’t afraid of going against the grain when it came to the achievement of her goals, much like his mother.

      He had to admit that he admired those qualities in both women.

      As Lila and his sisters gazed at him with a knowing look in their eyes, Kyle stopped trying to resist the urge to leave the room.

      “I need something to drink,” he said as he walked out, ignoring the soft laughter of his loving family, who clearly had no idea what was good for him—and what wasn’t.

      Chapter 4

      “I saw Kyle at the Childs Hotel on Friday,” Zoe told Jerry as they stared at some preliminary shots of Zoe’s collection on her computer in her office. “He invited us to the RHD party.”

      “Did he, now,” Jerry murmured. “I hope you reciprocated by inviting him to our cocktail party.”

      She nodded. “I did.”

      “Good.”

      Zoe gazed at Jerry. “Why are you two always trying to best the other? You’re both very talented. Your work speaks for itself.”

      “I earned my reputation the hard way,” Jerry said. “Kyle was born into his. He hasn’t had to work for anything.”

      “Kyle’s worked hard to earn the respect of the industry.”

      “Why are you defending him, Zoe?”

      “I’m not,” she said.

      “If you say so,” Jerry muttered.

      It was clear to Zoe that Jerry truly believed Kyle had not really paid his dues, but there was no point in arguing, so she changed the subject.

      “I’ve been playing around with an idea. Would you like to hear it?”

      Jerry sat down in a nearby chair. “Sure.”

      “I was in SoHo over the weekend and I was inspired by the styles worn by shoppers from every country in the world—from chic to preppy to quirky. I was thinking we should create a SoHo fall collection with international flair.”

      Jerry broke into a grin. “I love it.” After a moment, he said, “You know, I think we should attend the RHD party. How would you feel about being my date?”

      Zoe paused a heartbeat before responding, “I’m fine with it.”

      He studied her face. “You sure?”

      Gritting her teeth, Zoe lifted her chin and met his gaze. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

      “Are you worried about seeing everyone at RHD?”

      Zoe shook her head. “No, it’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to catching up with my former coworkers.”

      Her life was different now, she reminded herself. She was a woman on the rise, and Zoe would not allow her feelings for Kyle to get in the way.

      All she had to do was keep her distance and things would be fine.

      * * *

      Sasha seethed with anger as she stood outside Zoe’s office, eavesdropping on Zoe and Jerry deep in conversation.

      “I hate her guts,” she whispered. Sasha had never received an invitation to the RHD show in all of the years she had worked at Guava International. She had worked hard to earn a leadership role in the company, but it was to no avail.